At this year’s NYC Maker Faire, I came across a new workholding system that really captured my attention – RaptorLoc.
The RaptorLoc system had some familiar elements, such as modular hoses being used for part and accessory positioning, and some new ones.
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At the heart of the system is a thick and high quality HDPE base that is CNC-machined by the inventor. The hardware? Thoughtfully and carefully selected, with a focus on USA-made parts if and where possible.
(I believe that maybe only the alligator clips are made overseas. Having had difficulty in sourcing USA-made alligator clips myself, I can’t complain about this.)
I spent a LOT of time at the RaptorLoc booth. The system didn’t strike me as a “me too” product, it really seemed like something that has been made better.
I asked what some might consider an inordinate number of questions, and I really liked the answers I heard.
For instance, the RaptorLoc 3rd hands system makes use of genuine Loc-Line components. Other systems, such as SparkFun’s and Hobby Creek’s use other systems that don’t work as well.
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The RaptorLoc bases can be attached to standard T-channel extrusions, using standard hardware. RaptorLoc recommends Orange T-track products, which are available at Amazon. You can embed the T-tracks into your work table, or use them on top, for a portable and easily stored away system.
There are standard worl-holding setups, and ones that can be used with Panavise bases. Shown here is a combination of a Panasivse base and regular work-holding base. You can use them this way, but you don’t have to.
RaptorLoc bases are modular and connectable. You can build a larger work-holding setup to suit your needs.
As mentioned, I really liked the answers that the inventor offered in response to my questions. We talked about how the alligator clips are attached to the Loc-Line tips, about the different types of commercial HDPE panels he used for the base materials, the difference between the white and black bases, about the hardware, accessories, and everything in between.
I came to the conclusion that every aspect of the RaptorLoc was designed and optimized, not with profitability in mind, but providing the best possible work-holding solution.
The demonstration setup showed the different ways the RaptorLoc system can be used, from holding a small circuit board, to an RC car. You can use threaded rod and standard hardware to create elevated work platforms, such as for supporting larger projects.
The system seemed to be elegant, customizable, and adaptable.
I bought two sets, on the spot. I wanted a third, but the credit card scanner wasn’t working properly and I didn’t have enough cash on me.
I really only needed one, but I figured two would let me properly test out the modular nature of the product. Or maybe I could eventually give one away. The product looked good, and I wanted to support the inventor.
RaptorLoc products are a little pricey, but it’s hard to avoid that. Loc-Line modular hoses, unlike some other import brands’, use pipe tap threaded connections. It takes machine time and several tooling changes to make each base. The cost of materials factors into the price as well.
I like what I see from RaptorLoc, and think that there’s the potential for expandability. There’s the potential for more accessory attachments, and maybe even different base materials and sizes.
HawkLoc: standard base with tall zip-tie mounts ($30)
FalconLoc: standard base with 3 helping hand arms and PCB holder ($45)
ViseLoc: PanaVise base plate (vise not included), with 3 helping hand arms ($40)
Update: This is special holiday season pricing, with regular pricing expected to return in January.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
There are additional options via RaptorLoc directly, such as extra bases or attachments. You can also buy the “Midnight edition” bases and sets.
Lastly, the inventor is a ToolGuyd reader and commentor, something that I only learned about when he emailed about the product a few weeks after Maker Faire. I thought that to be really cool!
Update (8/2020): The RaptorLoc website is now defunct, and it doesn’t look like you can buy the products on Amazon any longer either.
Whiskey and wood
Was there a functional difference in the black vs White bases? Or just for looks?
As far as pricing goes, could be pricey for hobbyists, but if you used this for work or were serious/heavily invested/spent a good bit of time on your hobby, these prices seem quite good to me to create a useful setup that you don’t have to spend as much time finagling with or frustrated, and it’s basically a one time purchase! I don’t have a huge need for this, but with how small it is, I may consider a setup, or at least a setup for a high school robotics team my brother supports!
Stuart
The black HDPE is sourced from more premium and higher-costing material. I don’t recall the differences. The white HDPE is sourced from a specific type of commercial-grade cutting board material, and the black HDPE from brand-name marine-grade HDPE.
I’d say that most users probably won’t be able to tell the difference, aside from cost. The “show price” wasn’t too much higher. I knew the “midnight” version was a special edition and that I could get the white-based version after, so I figured I’d go with the black.
I have plenty of Loc-Line components, but have been dragging my feet about creating a custom base of my own. This is easier and cheaper than I’d be able to make something similar, plus more featured.
0.75″ x 12″ x 12″ HDPE is $20 at McMaster Carr is $20, or $23.32 for marine-grade.
Jotham McMillan
Jotham here (the creator of this product). Everything Stuart said is right. The white ones currently on Amazon are machined from commercial cutting board material (roughly 3/4″ thick HDPE). The black ones that Stuart purchased are machined from 3/4″ King Starboard HDPE. The primary differences between the two is the King Starboard is a little more dimensionally stable. The machining process results in a slight bow that you can see if you hold it up sideways. The King Starboard is a lot closer to perfectly flat. In most real-world use cases, you will not notice a difference.
I’m working with an aeronautical engineer on a Schlieren photography configuration where the King Starboard flatness matters for the optics experiments.
The ones that Stuart got were an early release as I’m not currently selling the black ones on Amazon yet. I’m expecting to have a Pro version of the product which will feature the King Starboard for those who want that extra bit of goodness.
There’s a lot of good comparable products out there (QuadHands, Sparkfun, HobbyCreek, etc.) Aside from using Loc-Line, I believe my product becomes more competitive when you start pairing multiple bases and/or using t-track. For example, it would be very useful in a lab workbench kind of situation, like you might find in a robotics club.
Lastly, and this is The Most Important Point, it is cnc-machined. So, if someone has a special situation, I can collaborate with them to update the product line for their unique needs. That’s the advantage to machining it in the U.S. and being a small company. Also, it’s just plain old fun to brainstorm new products!
Thanks Stuart for the detailed preview!
Bradley Hanstad
throwing some magnets in the base would be most excellent.
Jotham McMillan
Bradley, that’s an interesting idea. I would love to hear more of what you’re thinking of.
Originally I had tried embedding magnets in the base pockets to hold screws and such. What I discovered is that for the small pieces it worked on, it made them a bit difficult to remove. For example, small washers were hard to pry out.
Later on, I made some Loc-Line tips with magnets and those were more useful as I could use them to hold capacitors and small screws near where I was about to use them.
The QuadHands product line-up includes some magnetic based arms/steel bases and that’s interesting. I don’t want to give up using HDPE as that has some real advantages but there might be a compromise there that I can build in a future product.
Dan
If you machined the bases of the parts trays with ridges (like a potato chip) with magnets beneath that you would likely eliminate the issue of not being able to grab parts.
Whiskey and wood
Also, Stuart, have you used yours much yet/what arrangements have you found to be most useful for varying purposes, I’d be interested in feedback on what parts you find the most useful!
Stuart
Sorry, not enough for review commentary yet.
jsb
Does the black HDPE have enough carbon in it to be ESD safe? Have you looked at any ESD rated plastics for the bases?
Jotham McMillan
jsb,
As far as I can tell, none of the HDPE material I’m using has any carbon in it. I can’t say that they are inherently ESD safe. I can say that I think the material composition is a bit safer for live circuits as the base is HDPE and the Loc-Line hose is acetal copolymer. So, even if part of one metal alligator clip manages to touch an electrically live part, it’s less likely to short it to another alligator clip. The clips have a silicone wrap on them but it is still possible for metal to touch whatever is being gripped.
That said, I feel like a future improvement will be grounding strap options for more sensitive circuits.
Jeremy
Idea for magnets in base. Larger but thin magnets, in pockets on the back side would be nice. With a non slip rubber and those it would stick to many work benches/side of cabinets for storage outside of use. and the reduced magnetic force on the top would be less of a pita for picking up parts.
Starboard: king is more dimensionally stable, but do you notice a difference in surface hardness? I find it scratches easily, so for dash panels I use the cheaper stuff to reduce stuff marks.
Do you ship to Canada?
Jotham McMillan
Jeremy,
That’s a good idea. For the magnets, I think my solution will be to make a set of optional feet that use magnets. It will add some cost so I want to make it an optional piece.
Regarding King Starboard, I would say the cutting board material and Starboard both scuff but it is more visible on the black. I expect that when I use the base to solder and cut wires, I will see visible marks over time. I still like the idea that I can easily modify the base with simple tools and the surface is somewhat self-healing.
Brad
Very cool. I have been looking any getting a 3rd hand device for a while but I always seem to manage without one. Then after the project is done I’m back on amazon or the like looking at them.
I have enjoyed reading the comments and I think it’s great the inventor is collaborating back and forth to work things out with potential customers.